Coastrek returns for its eleventh year of hiking the Mornington Peninsula’s stunning coastline and these inspirational women be lining up with you on event day, hiking for mental health and proudly supporting Beyond Blue.
Mornington Peninsula local and experienced mountaineer Jen Willis will be lacing up her hiking boots to take on the 50km challenge. With an impressive list of outdoor achievements having climbed Mera Peak, Ama Dablam, and Lobuche East, with a painfully close attempt at summiting Mt Everest, reaching 8000m before challenging conditions cruelly denied her the opportunity to reach the 8848m summit, Jen is the first Australian with MS to attempt Everest.
“I’ve hiked all over the world but I’m looking forward to exploring the beautiful trails that surround me on the Peninsula which I’m lucky to call home,” says Willis.
Jen also has a personal connection with mental health having helped her daughter when she was struggling with suicidal ideations.
“I relied on the Beyond Blue Support Service a number of times to help me with advice on how to support my daughter through this, so I know what a vital service it provides – not only to the person suffering but to the families and friends around them.”
A first timer to the world of trekking, Ararat based Leila McDougall – a mental health advocate who highlighted the issue of mental health in rural and farming communities through her film ‘Just a Farmer’ – will swap horse and saddle for hiking boots to take part in Coastrek’s 20km event:
“I’m looking forward to taking part in Coastrek and continuing to bring attention to mental health issues in rural communities and the support resources available to them, like the Beyond Blue Support Service - a cause very close to my heart.”
Coastrek Ambassador, proud Yankunyjatjara and Wirangu woman, Shelley Ware, is back for her third Coastrek 30km challenge and continues to advocate for First Nations communities:
“I am pleased to support Coastrek’s mission to get more women out moving in nature and to help build awareness on mental health issues for First Nations people and the work being done by the Support Service to assist them.”
And of course, our dedicated Community Ambassador, Mornington Peninsula local Caitie Moncur, is returning to hike for mental health in the 50km event. 
Be sure to say hi on the trail - let the hiking begin!
